Caree Risover charts her retirement through planning to implementation and enjoyment.

INTRODUCTION

There seems to be a scarcity of UK retirement blogs out there (other than those proffering financial advice) and in the absence of my being able to read about other people's experiences, I instead offer you my own "Great Big Retirement Adventure."

My husband (Mister E) and I have moved from the initial concept through the planning stages to implementation and this site is intended to record the whole process. What I am seeking from retirement is now very different to what I thought I was planning and has gradually developed into a quest for fitness and a desire for simplification, with a transition away from both a highly organised lifestyle and the personality traits reflecting a pedantic professional career. Indeed I recently described myself as "a goofy idiot" who enjoys smiling at sunflowers; a far cry from the pre-retirement professional and an indication of just how far I have travelled.

Please visit from time to time and do add your comments. The blog is in reverse chronological order but popular posts and those highlighting our journey are specifically pinpointed below on the right hand side together with a list of topics covered. Alternatively you may prefer to look at the summary or wisdom we have acquired or even our have done list with its retirement atlas and dip in and out of the blog using the links given.

Pages

Wisdom Acquired

Working part-time and in a consultancy role for another business to that in which I had spent nearly all my working life, for the 3 years before retirement, was a sensible decision. I certainly think I would have struggled much more with the concept of retirement in the early days if I had gone straight from being a partner in my own business to total retirement.

There are habits of mind to overcome in the early days and of which habits I was previously unaware. In my case the most noticeable were the voids created when I no longer had case files to fret over during the night or when driving.

From Day 1 of retirement I was more active as I escaped the chains of the office desk; in turn I slept better but also felt less tired during the day. Nonetheless I was not fit and ended up making this one of my very first priorities signing up for a fitness challenge, taking exercise classes I had never previously considered and pushing myself beyond my previous limitations. In due course my quest for fitness extended to a review of my weight and BMI and in which connection I found My Fitness Pal, an app that counts calories and their expenditure, invaluable.

Getting away is easier, so make sure you travel. Recovery times are longer as we get older, so you may want to think carefully about comfort whilst travelling (cruising is a popular choice for many and we have tried it) and also the times of any flights. I don't have the solution but have discovered that packing is very important. Perhaps it is an age thing but omitting items from my suitcase seems to arise easily!

Never be afraid of trying new activities. Indeed learning new skills (especially those that involve social engagement and physical exercise) is the best prevention for cognitive decline and even better if combined with a higher purpose such as volunteering or mentoring.

If you begin to think your life lacks meaning in retirement, document your core values and live by them.

However much you enjoy decorating, fitness classes and workouts it probably isn't sensible to leave all your redecoration or getting fit for retirement. With the benefit of hindsight I ought to have kept abreast of these whilst still working.

Be happy, but, if you need to, work out how. Anxiety is common especially as we age but could be a sign of depression.

Don't overlook the vaccinations you can receive from the NHS especially against flu or the PPV, there will come a time when you will be grateful for the protection offered. Prevention is generally better than a cure and time in retirement is too precious to spend in bed.

In retirement you will find time to agitate on all kinds of issues, writing to your MP, blogging and generally boring the pants off anyone who will listen. Keep at it; it makes you feel worthwhile and if you need any ideas air pollution and Save the Children are two of my favourites.

You might also find yourself rediscovering the political energy of your youth now you have the time to listen to the commentators and read the editorials. Yes it can make you angry but at least you are now in the know and your ranting is educated (some of the time).

Free yourself by making life simpler and reducing stuff, a necessity when it comes to downsizing and probably best done over a period of time rather than on the eve of the big move.

There will be times when you feel your brain is suffering from disengagement; it's all part of the ageing process I suppose

No comments:

Post a Comment

Translate

Angel of the North

Angel of the North by sculptor Sir Antony Gormley is a regional landmark and significant as a focus for evolving hopes and fears. It is an apt inclusion for this blog which explores my own dreams and trepidations.